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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

The Rise and Fall of Empires by @egmanetti

by EG Manetti

The history of the world is marked by the rise and fall of
empires, the climb to enlightenment followed by a crash into anarchy. Leading
me to the question, what if that cycle continues forever? Like the phoenix,
human society emerges from the ashes, flourishes, flies, and then implodes in a
burst of fire?What would the rise look
like in a future millennium in a galaxy, far, far away?These questions gave birth to the Twelve
Systems Chronicles.

Set in the society
that emerged from the ashes of three centuries of warfare, The Twelve Systems
revere honor, physical courage, and commercial success.There are few taboos around sex and a great
many around love. Race, gender, sexual orientation are matters of indifference,
while genetics and social class define individual futures, and a handful of the
super wealthy control the known the galaxy.Because, at its core, the series is an epic romance, the heroine is imperiled,
and the hero is wealthy, powerful, and dangerous.Because I love world-building, intrigue, and
flouting convention, Lilian is not as vulnerable as she first appears, the
Twelve Systems are soon to be rocked by galaxy altering events, and Lucius may
discover he is not quite the master-of-the universe he thought he was. Or maybe
he is.

In’Dtale has described the Twelve Systems Chronicles as ‘some
of the very best in Science Fiction action and romance . . . Wow! This series
just keeps getting better and better! Ms. Manetti develops each character
and plot line with such exquisite nuance that the journey of discovery is a
delight to enjoy. . . few are more deftly written or more excitingly
addictive. The worlds are intricate and realistic; the characters are
both heroic and flawed. The star that shines brightest, however, is Lillian.’For more the chronicles, check out the
February 2018 feature article. http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/february/#?page=30

I did not set out to
author an epic series, but Lilian, Lucius, and the inhabitants of the Twelve Systems had other ideas. I planned the narrative to be single
POV, Lilian’s.Lucius was not having
it, so now it’s multiple POVs.I know
how the adventure ends, and there will be a happily-ever-after because for all
the world-building, intrigue, perils, battles, and challenges, it is a romance.

Her midsection tight with anxiety, Lilian scans the chamber
for its occupant. Lilian registers a massive black enamel desk with an impressive
techno array and a large scarlet leather chair. Her gaze finds the long scarlet
leather couch facing a wall-sized reviewer, and the remainder of the sumptuous
furnishings fades into the ether. Honor
knows not fear. Honor endures. Honor . . .

A hidden door recesses, and a man walks through. His
arresting aquiline features have a dark olive cast, his powerful form that
moves with the confident grace of someone well familiar with the training
facilities. His tunic shirt clings to a well-defined torso, jacket missing.
Lucius Mercio is a tall man. Somehow, Lilian had not realized he would be so
tall. Tall for a woman even in her low heels, she fits under his chin. Without
shoes, she will barely reach his shoulders.

“You are Lilian.” The statement is made in coolly clipped
tones as the long frame folds into a chair by the chrome and crystal conference
table. He leans back with elbows resting on the chair arms, the long fingers
steepled. Legs spread.

There is silence as milord examines her from beneath hooded
lids. The strong features are impassive, intimidating.

It is too disturbing
to look at his face. Look over his head at the Five Warriors print on the
far wall.

Lilian has lost her cartouche, her father, her honor, and
her status as a warrior. She is all but destitute.

She is not guilty of Remus
Gariten’s crimes, only of carrying the foul criminal’s blood. It is an offense
she can redeem with a three-year Trial by Ordeal. She will not regain all she
has lost. Lilian will never again be a warrior. She will retain her life and
the right of every inhabitant of the Twelve

Systems to forge advancement in
commerce through skill, determination, hard work, and ruthlessness.

“I will expect you at eighth bell each morning to report
status and receive instruction.” The terse words and quiet tones express
milord’s will, the expectation of complete obedience.

“Yes, milord.”

“All that occurs in this chamber is sealed to my
security-privilege.” Lucius Mercio will have naught of his affairs revealed
without his express consent.

“All that remains of your family are your mother and sister
living here in the city.” It is a statement, although a question is implied.

The abrupt change in topic unbalances Lilian. It causes her
to catch her breath and drop her eyes to her interrogator’s face. Her concern
with the couch dissipates under the weight of greater concern.

“Yes, milord.” Did he notice the brief delay in her
response? Focus on the Five Warriors.

“Have you doubt of your father’s guilt? Hold you any
fanciful notion of cleansing the Gariten name and regaining warrior status?”
The words are harsh.

Stunned by the question and its implications, Lilian again
drops her gaze to milord, wondering if she has handed herself over to the
deranged. What a ludicrous notion. Do not voice that. Milord’s gaze is
unwavering, commanding. He requires something. What? An acknowledgment. Piracy,
fraud, decadents dealing, illegal servitude, and lotteries—the list of crimes
that sentenced Gariten to the Final Draught and Lilian to three years of
indentured servitude is long, ugly, and undeniable. “There is no doubt, milord.
Remus Gariten was guilty of every transgression of which he was convicted.”

And a great deal more.

“Come here, Lilian.” At the quiet command, Lilian’s heart
lurches.

Here? Where here? Walk
toward the seated man. Where to stop? In
the end, Lilian is unable to force a step past the invisible plane defined by
the edge of milord’s knees. Milord reaches out with one hand to grip her waist
and tug her closer until her knees press against the edge of the chair, his
legs on either side of her thighs. He
will instruct you.